Paleokastritsa Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Παλαιοκαστρίτσα
Paleokastritsa is one of the most photographed locations in Corfu — a series of dramatic coves beneath the white monastery of Theotokos, perched on a cliff 100m above the sea. The bay complex consists of multiple small coves separated by rocky headlands, each with turquoise water and sandy bottoms. The setting is extraordinary: medieval monastery, Byzantine chapel, olive-covered cliffs, and intensely blue-green water. The water is very deep close to shore (6–15m) and crystal clear. As an anchorage it is best used as a day stop — the NW exposure makes overnight anchoring in the main bay inadvisable when the Maestro is running. The inner coves provide more shelter. A village with tavernas and tourist facilities sits on the headland above.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°39.9'N 19°42.2'E
Depth
6–15m
Bottom
sand, rock
Holding
Fair holdingProtected From
S, SE, E, NE
Exposed To
N, NW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m radius for the main bay in 6–12m on sand/rock. Reduce to 60m if taking one of the inner coves. Overnight anchoring is feasible in settled conditions only — if any NW above F3 is forecast for the evening, relocate to the more sheltered NE inner coves or return to Gouvia.
Main bay (outer anchorage): 80m recommended — Anchor in 6–12m in the main bay.
Inner coves (multiple small coves): 60m recommended — Several small coves NE of the main bay offer better shelter.
Anchoring Zones
Paleokastritsa has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: Main bay (outer anchorage)
- Depth: 6–15m
- Bottom: sand, rock
- Holding: Fair holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, NE
- Exposed to: N, NW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Anchor in 6–12m in the main bay. Sand with rock patches — holding is fair; snorkel to verify anchor is in sand, not rock. The bay is open to W and NW — the afternoon Maestro sends swell in. Day anchorage only in July–August (too exposed for comfortable overnight in NW conditions). The water is crystal clear and the setting is spectacular.
Zone 2: Inner coves (multiple small coves)
- Depth: 4–8m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, N, NE
- Exposed to: NW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 60m
Several small coves NE of the main bay offer better shelter. Depths 4–8m on sand. Holding good in the sandy patches. Still some exposure to NW. Take a line ashore to rocks for added security overnight. Popular with day boats and tourist boats from the beach.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Paleokastritsa is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 6–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.
Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Paleokastritsa are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NW and W winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m radius for the main bay in 6–12m on sand/rock. Reduce to 60m if taking one of the inner coves. Overnight anchoring is feasible in settled conditions only — if any NW above F3 is forecast for the evening, relocate to the more sheltered NE inner coves or return to Gouvia.
Best May–June and September–October. July–August is spectacular but very crowded with day tourists and tourist boats.
Navigation Hazards
- Open to N, NW, and W — afternoon Maestro builds swell in the main bay; day-stop only in NW conditions
- Sand/rock bottom — verify anchor is in sand by snorkelling
- Heavy tourist and glass-bottom boat traffic 09:00–18:00 in summer
- Depths very close to shore — approach slowly and use the depth sounder
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Tourist and glass-bottom boat traffic intense during daylight hours. Avoid anchoring in the swimming zones marked by buoys near the beaches.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Paleokastritsa village (0nm)
- Restaurant: Several tavernas above the bay in Paleokastritsa village (5 min walk up)
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Visit as a day stop from Gouvia — the setting is unmissable but overnight is risky in NW conditions.
- Use the NE inner coves for better shelter and reduced tourist boat traffic.
- Snorkel to verify anchor is in a sandy patch before leaving the boat unattended.
- The monastery at the top is open to visitors (appropriate dress required).
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Paleokastritsa
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the Corfu & Paxos anchorage.
Download Free for iOS